PAGASA: Flash floods, landslides loom over 3 regions

Flash floods and landslides from a potential cyclone embedded in inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) threaten at least three regions in the country, state weather forecasters said Saturday. In its 11 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the low-pressure area (LPA) was estimated at 50 km north of Coron, Northern Palawan, as of 8 a.m. “Due to the combine(d) effect of these weather systems, the whole country will have cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms, becoming widespread rains over Central and Southern Luzon and Western Visayas which may trigger flashfloods and landslides," PAGASA said. The threat of flash floods and landslides prompted Malacañang to remind local officials especially in Central Luzon to be more vigilant and proactive in protecting their constituents. Some areas in Central Luzon, including Bulacan and Pampanga, are still recovering from floods brought by heavy rains of Typhoon Pedring (Nesat). Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said local officials should make sure they air their warnings and evacuate residents early, if such a need to evacuate arises. “The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is on top [of the situation]. But our request to local officials is to be more vigilant make sure the protocols are observed," Lacierda said on government-run dzRB radio. He said that if rain water forces dams in the area to release water, the local officials should convince residents to evacuate early. On the other hand, Lacierda reminded the public to be wary of scammers seeking “assistance" by dropping the names of government officials. “May nagho-hoax, may scam to take advantage of the situation (There are some people who resort to hoaxes and scams to take advantage of the situation)," he said. — LBG, GMA News